The Way Forward: 41 Countries Commit to Ending Wildlife Trafficking

Political leaders from 41 countries pledged their support in the fight against wildlife trafficking at last week’s historic London Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade. The last few years have seen a dramatic increase in global wildlife trafficking…

Salvatore Amato is a recognized expert with over twenty-four years experience in the field of wildlife law enforcement. Mr. Amato served as the Special Agent in Charge of the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Northeast Region where he directed the enforcement efforts of special agents and wildlife inspectors in thirteen states. Previously, he served as the Special Agent in Charge of the Branch of Special Operation where he directed complex long-term covert operations and the intelligence functions of the Service. Currently, Mr. Amato works as a consultant providing advice and expertise to NGO’s, governmental agencies and businesses related to combating the exploitation and global trafficking of wildlife.

In parts of Africa, elephants known as “giant tuskers” roam the land, their enormous tusks tracing a path in the ground as they walk. Although they sound like something from a fairy tale, these majestic creatures are real. But for our children and theirs, African elephants like these may soon only be seen in photographs…

Japan is one of the largest remaining ivory markets in the world with more ivory manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers than any country. The Japanese government needs to step up to the plate and join the international effort to combat wildlife trafficking by closing its domestic ivory market.

Every field season has its idiosyncrasies and challenges. This year, nature kept Tim particularly busy maintaining technology in order to keep the camp safe and operational, starting with a humane catch-and-release program for the inordinate number of brazen mice that inhabited our camp and got under foot after such good rains brought much grass seed—and […]

Wildlife Crime Whistleblowers: Exclusive Interview with WildLeaks Founder Andrea Crosta (via Annamiticus) On February 7, 2014, Andrea Crosta announced the launch of WildLeaks, a non-profit collaborative project that allows for the secure and confidential receipt and assessment of information and tips related to wildlife and forest crimes. This new high-…

First Annual World Wildlife Day is March 3 (via Annamiticus) A global celebration of wildlife will take place on March 3, 2014, which marks the first annual World Wildlife Day. The United Nations General Assembly selected March 3 as World Wildlife Day to coincide with the adoption of the Convention on International…

The Way Forward: 41 Countries Commit to Ending Wildlife Trafficking (via Annamiticus) Political leaders from 41 countries pledged their support in the fight against wildlife trafficking at last week’s historic London Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade. The last few years have seen a dramatic increase in global wildlife trafficking…

China Crushes 6.1 Tons of Ivory: Who’s Next? (via Annamiticus) On January 6, 2014, it actually happened: China destroyed just over six tons of confiscated ivory, comprised of carved trinkets and whole tusks. Although originally announced as an “ivory burning”, it was decided that the ivory would be crushed…

Kenya Wildlife DNA Forensics Lab One Step Closer to Opening (via Annamiticus) A multi-national delegation, headed by Dr. William Clark of INTERPOL, has conducted a two-day training workshop and site inspection at the DNA Forensics Laboratory at Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) headquarters in Nairobi. This was done in order to assist…

INTERPOL Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Conference Kicks Off in Kenya (via Annamiticus) NAIROBI – The International Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Committee Conference, hosted by INTERPOL and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), kicked off on November 4, 2013, with over 560 registered participants representing governmental…

Pangolin Trafficking: 2011 to October 2013 [Infographic] (via Annamiticus) During the months of August through October 2013, at least 2,804 pangolins were recorded in 15 pangolin trafficking incidents across seven countries. This conservative figure represents both live and dead pangolins, as well as pangolin scales, destined…

China’s ‘Rhino Horn Farming’ Scheme: More Disturbing Details (via Annamiticus) The peculiar case of the rhinos exported from South Africa to China continues to unravel with reports that some of the rhinos destined for Yunnan Wild Animal Park in Kunming did not survive the journey. Marketing manager for Yunnan Wild Animal Park (…

Ivory Destruction: Beyond Burning (via Annamiticus) On October 8, 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to crush its stockpile of elephant ivory consisting of 5.4 tons of whole tusks and small carvings — items that have been seized or abandoned to the US government over the last 20 years.…